How Much Does a Custom WordPress Theme Cost?

After writing our article on how much does it cost to build a WordPress site, several readers asked us to expand on the custom website cost section. If you’re wondering how much does a custom WordPress theme cost, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we will share how much does a custom WordPress theme cost as well as few tips on how you can save money and avoid overpaying.

What is a Custom WordPress Theme?

A custom WordPress theme has a unique design, layout, and set of features that are made specifically for your business needs.

The benefit of getting a custom WordPress theme is that you’re not limited by the constraints of a pre-existing template or layout. You have full freedom to customize your website and get any specific functionality built within your theme.

Factors that Affect the Cost of a Custom WordPress Theme

Since each custom WordPress theme is built specifically for the individual client, the cost of the project varies based on the requirements. Below are some of the factors that will impact the cost of your custom WordPress theme:

Individual Freelancer vs Agency

To create a custom WordPress theme, you will need someone who can design (designer) and code your theme (developer).

Depending on your needs, you may be able to find an individual who can do both design and develop the site, but remember it’s hard find a person who’s excellent at both design and code.

When you go with a full-service agency, it’s a one-stop shop because they have designers and developers in their team. This is also the reason why sometimes agencies can be more expensive.

Alternatively, you can hire an individual freelance designer and developer separately and mange the project yourself.

Experience and Expertise

Design and development is a creative process, so the project cost vary based on expertise, experience in the field, and creativity.

Well reputed WordPress development agencies may cost more than an individual developer or freelancer. However, a well known WordPress developer can sometimes charge even more than an agency.

Features, Functionality, and Expectations

Adding more features and functionality to your custom theme will increase the development time and cost. Normally, clients have higher expectations than their budget allows.

High quality work with custom features will take more time and hence it will cost more.

Change orders and Revisions

If you change the scope of your custom WordPress theme project in the middle of the process, then this can significantly increase your cost. While minor changes are ok, often freelancers and agencies will charge change-order fees for major change requests.

Hosting, Maintenance and Support

A custom WordPress theme does not include WordPress hosting, website maintenance or offering support after delivery of the project.

Some agencies and freelancers might offer these services at an additional cost.

How much a Custom WordPress Theme Actually Costs?

Because there are several factors that affect the cost, it is extremely difficult to explain how much a custom WordPress theme cost in fixed numbers.

A typical custom WordPress theme for business or personal website theme could cost between $1,500 – $5,000.

A custom WordPress theme with additional built-in features or companion plugins can cost anywhere between $6,000 – $10,000.

If you have a complex enterprise level project, then is not uncommon for the prices to go above $30,000.

How to Avoid Overpaying for a Custom WordPress Theme?

With over a decade of experience in the WordPress industry, we have few tips that you can use to avoid overpaying for a custom WordPress theme.

Have a Clear Scope of the Project

When you’re building a house, you typically have a list of features that you want such as 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room, etc.

You need to make a similar list for your website and list down all the things that you would like to have such as:

Editable home page with a testimonial slider and services list

Contact page with a contact form and a Google map with ability to find directions

Gallery area to showcase the work

Blog section with Social media share buttons

Having a detailed list makes it easier for someone to give you an accurate quote. It also helps limit revisions / change-order fees.

Find Live Website Examples for Inspiration when Possible

Going along with a detailed scope, having a list of inspirations really help with the design process.

You can have a list of websites and list out what you like about each of them.

This gives the designer a clear idea of what you’re looking for thus reduces the revisions and overall cost.

Use Premium Plugins vs Custom Built Functionality

Most reputable WordPress professionals will always choose a premium WordPress plugin vs build it out from scratch because it’s more efficient and saves cost.

However as a customer, we always recommend that you also do your research. Often the developer that you choose may have other suggestions, and it’s important that you understand why they decide to choose one plugin over another.

Customize Premium Themes vs Build from Scratch

One of the ways to significantly reduce cost while still getting a “custom” look and feel is to find an existing theme that has 90% of what you want.

While this cheats the custom theme concept, it can significantly reduce the overall cost.

WPHired – This is a job board where you can post your WordPress jobs. Developers can then apply for the job, and you can discuss your project with them. You’ll have to look for developers with relevant experience and skills.

WordPress Jobs – Another WordPress specific job board where you can post jobs and interview developers.

Upwork – An online freelancing website where you can post your job and interview developers from all over the world. This would allow you to find developers with lower rates. It is an enormous community with designers and developers of varying skills and expertise.

Conclusion

A custom WordPress theme can make your website stand out with its unique design and custom features. However, not all beginners and small businesses can afford that right away.

Most modern themes have enough customization options that you can use to make them unique. Check out our showcase section where we regularly publish collection of themes for different industries and niches

However if you can afford a custom WordPress theme, then it is definitely worth the investment. Unique branding, custom design, and tailor made functionality will help you grow your business faster and give you an edge over your competitors.

As we mentioned the cost will increase as you add more features to your theme. It also varies based on factors we mentioned above. You can interview developers on any platform including Fiverr. However, as a general rule you should always be very careful and do the due diligence before hiring someone.

We ALWAYS create a custom theme for every site but we base it on the WordPress twentytwelve theme as a child theme. The logic behind this is: WordPress will continue to update twentytwelve to keep it current. That in our opinion creates longevity. Its our plan to update to a newer parent theme and we look forward enthusiastically to each new release. Unfortunately we haven’t seen anything nearly as functional but we live in hope.

Nice tutorial, very detailed matched to what I actually needed. But I never realised custom theme costs up to that rate. I always put my budget on something not above $500. As a matter of fact, I have had an agreement with an individual developer who promised to accept that range of payment. Just wondering if he’s actually going to deliver what I expected.

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